The Snow Joe ION8024-XR is a 24-inch, two stage snow blower. However, it has neither a gasoline engine nor a place to plug in an extension cord. It is a cordless snow blower that receives its power from two 40-volt lithium-ion batteries.
What is included with the Snow Joe ION8024-XR?
The contents of the carton are numerous. The biggest piece is obviously the ION8024-XR cordless snow blower itself. It comes with two safety keys. The two EcoSharp batteries and EcoSharp dual port battery charger comes next. Then you have the upper handle, four handle knobs and four bolts. The discharge chute, chute nuts and chute clean-out tool are next in line. A hex key is also included. However, you will need to use your own tire gauge for the wheels.
Extra parts are provided in the form of two shear bolts, two gaskets and two nuts. The last item is the manual with the registration card.
It is important to check all the items for damage. If any parts are missing, then you should contact Snow Joe’s customer service center. You should probably store the box and packing material in a safe place until you are satisfied that the cordless snow blower is working according to plan. You might need the box for long term storage, but that is entirely up to you.
How much assembly does the Snow Joe ION8024-XR need?
It needs some minor assembly before you can go out and face the snow. Nevertheless, you will need only a few things to do the job: hex key, product manual, wrench and tire gauge.
Start with the upper handlebar. Get it into the right position and then insert the four handle knobs and bolts. You can adjust the height of the handle by using different holes. Tighten the knobs, and you are done assembling the handlebar.
Next, assemble the chute. Here you will need the hex key to secure the discharge chute onto the chute gear plate. You may also add the chute clean-out tool and the mounting clip.
The skid shoes also need adjustment. These will determine the clearance height between the scraper bar and the surface. You will need to use a 13 mm wrench to loosen and tighten the nuts. You can allow for 1/8 inch clearance between the scraper bar and a hard surface for use on pavements and wooden decks.
The Snow Joe ION8024-XR is not recommended for clearing gravel surfaces because loose gravel might cause damage or injury. Nonetheless, if you do decide to use it on a gravel surface, then you should adjust the skid shoes to allow for a 1-1/4 inch clearance height. The last thing to do is probably to charge the batteries.
If you have a gravel driveway, then you might be interested in a 24-inch, two stage, gas-powered snow blower such as the Ariens Deluxe 24.
How do you know when to charge the battery pack?
You should charge the lithium-ion battery pack a few hours before and after use. A discharged battery will need about 4 hours to reach a full charge. The maximum run time with two fully charged 40-volt batteries is about 40 minutes.
Each lithium-ion battery has an indicator button that you can push to view the current charge level. The battery is full if all three LED lights are lit, but half empty when only two of the LED lights are on. The battery is almost flat when only one LED light comes on.
You should charge the battery if it is less than fully charged. The EcoSharp PRO iBAT40XR lithium-ion battery does not build up a charging memory, so you should never let it discharge completely. You can keep it fully charged for the best performance.
The control panel of the Snow Joe ION8024-XR also has battery light indicators with the same three levels: full, 60% capacity and 30% capacity. Keep an eye on these levels and stop working when the battery charge drops to 30%.
How do you charge the batteries?
The EcoSharp PRO iBAT40XR lithium-ion batteries should only be charged with the included EcoSharp dual port battery charger (iCHRG40-DPC). Plug the charger into a suitable wall outlet and slide the batteries into position. Wait until both the LED lights turn green, which shows that the battery is fully charged. Pull the push lock button and slide the battery out of the charger. You might encounter problems if the battery is either too hot or too cold. The charging process will only start once the battery is within a normal temperature range of between 32ºF and 113ºF.
How do you control the Snow Joe ION8024-XR?
First, use the removable key to turn the power switch to the ON position. Then, rotate the safety switch in a clockwise direction and pull it up to enable the electric motor. You can push the safety switch down to stop the motor. It seems to work like a run/stop switch.
Now, press the safety button and squeeze the auger trigger on the right handle grip to spin the auger and impeller blades. Squeeze the drive trigger on the left handle grip to propel the snow blower forward with its wheels. The control panel has buttons for choosing one of three forward propelling speeds. There is also a button for reverse. The XPORT button is only used for propelling, or transporting, the snow blower to and from the work area at the fastest forward speed.
Where is the switch for the LED headlights?
There is a switch on the control panel for turning the 3-watt LED lights on and off. You can adjust the lighting angle by moving the lights either up or down.
How does the discharge chute work?
The Snow Joe ION8024-XR does not have a chute crank. Instead, the chute is rotated remotely through 180 degrees with a chute control switch. This switch is located on the inside of the left handle. It can remotely rotate the chute either left or right.
The discharge chute deflector is not remotely controlled. Therefore, you have to use your hand to press the chute deflector trigger and tilt it up or down to the desired angle.
How do you clean out the chute?
Do not use your hands to clear obstructions from the auger, impeller or chute. You should always use the included chute clean-out tool, which you installed on top of the housing with the clip. Press the safety switch down to stop the motor and turn the key switch off before you attempt to clear an obstruction.
Snow Joe ION8024-XR: Verdict
The biggest advantage of the Snow Joe ION8024-XR is its cordless, battery powered operation. It does not require an extension cord or gasoline. However, you need to maintain the batteries in good condition because they are the power source of this self-propelled cordless snow blower. You have to balance the operating time of the snow blower, which is about 30 to 40 minutes, with the amount of snow you need to remove.
The Snow Joe ION8024-XR is unfortunately much more expensive than an ordinary single stage corded snow thrower. However, it is in the same price range as a gas-powered 21-inch or 24-inch snow blower (check price on Amazon).